Erie County Fair returning Aug. 11-22

Subject to CDC & NYS guidelines

Earlier this week, the Erie County Agricultural Society board of directors announced it would move forward with the 2021 edition of the Erie County Fair – scheduled for Aug. 11-22 – following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement New York is abiding by the CDC’s new mask rule changes.

On Thursday, ECAS said it is looking forward to being able to safely host the 2021 event.

CEO and Fair Manager Jessica Underberg said, “We have already started working with the health department officials on appropriate measures for the event. If you plan on attending the Erie County Fair, it may not look the same, but it will remain true to the values and traditions that are reminiscent of the annual event.”

In a press conference, Underberg shared information regarding specifics for the Erie County Fair, including health and safety protocols, admission pricing and policies, and plans for grandstand entertainment.

√ Admission and Entry – ‘Pick Your Day Online’

Guests will be required to purchase their tickets online and choose the day they want to come. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. There will be a limited number of tickets sold per day. The price of admission will be $13.50, which includes parking. Kids ages 12 and under will be admitted free, but will still need a ticket.

√ Health and Safety

The venue is following CDC guidelines and asks guests to exercise personal responsibility. Vaccination will not be required to come to the Erie County Fair, however, per CDC guidance at this time, nonvaccinated guests will need to wear a face covering.

Masks will be encouraged in indoor spaces. Frequent hand washing and sanitizing will be recommended. There will be an increased number of free-standing hand-washing stations and hand-sanitizing units placed throughout the grounds, as well as frequent cleaning and sanitizing of commonly touched surfaces (picnic tables, bleachers, bathrooms, etc.).

√ Strates Shows Midway

The midway will follow social distancing guidelines. Game operators will practice social distancing, and hand sanitizers will be available. Protocols will be in place to disinfect rides regularly.

√ Buildings and Food Sales

Buildings will be reconfigured to allow for wider aisles, thus ensuring social distancing. Food stand layouts will be adjusted to create additional spacing and wider aisles. Eating areas will be available in the parks to allow for adequate social distancing.

√ GUSTO Grandstand

Capacity limitations will be in place for grandstand shows, as set by state policies, including socially distanced seating. Tickets will only be sold online and will be available at a later date. Events confirmed to date include:

• Jay & The Americans – Aug. 11
• Sawyer Brown – Aug. 12
• Styx – Aug. 14
• Jon Pardi – Aug. 15
• Mark Chestnutt – Aug. 16
• “ATV Big Air Tour” – Aug. 17
• for KING & COUNTRY – Aug. 18
• Cooper Alan – Aug. 19
• “Ultimate Night of Destruction” – Aug. 21
• “World’s Largest Demolition Derby” – Aug. 22

A press release stated, “The Erie County Fair is anxious to provide families with the opportunity to create memories in person, get back to tradition, immerse themselves in a world of ‘Summertopia’ with the traditional and crazy foods, cute animals, top-notch competition, spinning rides and just plain fun entertainment.”

Up-to-date information and details about the Erie County Fair will be available at www.ecfair.org, the all-new mobile app and social channels.

The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private, not-for-profit membership organization. Established in 1819, it is the oldest civic organization in Western New York. The mission of the ECAS, sponsors of the Erie County Fair, is to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York state. The fair strives to fulfill appropriate aspects of the agricultural, educational, entertainment and recreational needs of Western New York. Visit www.ECFair.org.